Direct UV-spectroscopic measurement of selected ionic-liquid vapors

The hallmark of ionic liquids lies in their negligible vapor pressure. This ultralow vapor pressure makes it difficult to conduct the direct spectroscopic measurement of ionic-liquid vapors. In fact, there have been no electronic spectroscopic data currently available for ionic-liquid vapors. This deficiency significantly hampers the fundamental understanding of the unique molecular structures of ionic liquids. Herein, the UV absorption spectra of eight ionic liquids, such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Bmim⁺] [Tf₂N⁻]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ([Emim⁺][beti⁻]) in the vapor phase in a distillation-like environment, were measured through a high-temperature spectroscopic technique to fill this knowledge gap. Two strong absorption peaks of the [Bmim⁺][Tf₂N⁻] vapor lie at 202 and 211 nm, slightly different from those of the neat [Bmim⁺][Tf₂N⁻] thin film and its solution in water. Based on the quantitative determination of the vapor absorption spectra as a function of temperature, the vaporization enthalpies of these ionic liquids vapors were measured and found to be in good agreement with the corresponding literature values. This in situ method opens up a new avenue to study the nature of ionic-liquid vapors and to determine the vaporization enthalpies of ionic liquids.